For about two centuries since the invention of photography, the art has continued to evolve with contemporary photography being the latest type. Perhaps, you want to know what contemporary photography is and the difference between normal and candid photography, then stick with us to find out!
Contemporary photography can be seen as an image of recent times, relative to an image that dates a while back.
Additionally, this form of photography helps to depict the values, ills, and morals of the world we live in today. Contemporary photographers see things differently and can add them to their arts.
Table of Contents
What defines contemporary Art – Photographs or Paintings?
Both photographs and paintings are classified as contemporary art. A photograph or painting does not need to capture modern-day happenings or ignore past events before it can be referred to as contemporary art.
Also, a skilled photographer or painter can combine historical images and give them a contemporary look. This is because the photography industry has moved past the era of relying on only cameras for developing photographic contents.
With the tons of image-processing tools available, photographers know that a good work has little or nothing to do with the quality of cameras. In fact, it would shock you to know that an artist can make images without using cameras. The artist can use chemicals to create great pieces.
This is not entirely surprising because the term “photograph” literally means “light drawing” in Greek. In fact, when the word “photograph” was first used, it had nothing to do with cameras, yet nice images were developed.
People started seeing contemporary imagery as an art in the early 1980s, with book illustrations, and photojournalism being the primary expression of the art. However, after a few years, the industry became divided. While some persons saw themselves as photographers, others referred to themselves as painters.
Based on that division, terms like photographic art and pure photography differentiated between photographers and artists. Regardless of the name you choose to ascribe to, contemporary art remains the best medium to document history and capture the present.
The Evolution of Contemporary Photography
Since the invention of cameras in the 1800s, photography has evolved over the years. The first generation of photography is known as “early photography,” which started in 1839 and ended in 1920.
The next generation of photography was from 1920 to 1980 was called “modern photography.” And from then to date, we continue to live in the era of contemporary photography.
Also, the primary reason why photographers picked 1980 as the birth of contemporary art is that in that year, photography took a new turn. People started seeing the art as a medium of self-expression rather than just exploration.
Bernd and Hilla Becher are the “parents” of contemporary photography because they were the first to see it as an art, even before the invention of digital cameras for photography.
In addition, they used traditional medium of photography to take great shots of industrial buildings. Some of their best works put up in galleries across the United States include the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, Museum of Modern Art, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and the Museum of Modern Art, New York.
Video: Discussion on Contemporary Photography
This video is a one-on-one discussion session on contemporary imagery with an art professor from the University of Washington. Check it out…
What is Contemporary Landscape Photography?
Contemporary means “the current.” So contemporary landscape photography implies the current type of landscape photography.
Contemporary landscape photography as modern landscape photography. Contemporary landscape photography is that non-aesthetic images can be considered as considered contemporary. Before now, this kind of work was discarded due to its vague and meaningless nature. But today, they are exhibited in high-profile galleries around the world as contemporary art.
Also, this form of art has changed how we view the world. A contemporary artist is not afraid of going against the unwritten rules that govern the art world.
What is Normal Photography?
Normal or traditional photography is the type of photography that takes place at most weddings. Photographers have a tradition medium of directing the about-to-wed or wedded couples on how to stand, smile, sit, and look, so that they can get the best shot that will linger in memories of the couples.
Normal photography is more formal and organized because the photographer directs the order of photoshoot. But there is no natural flow in this type of photography because even when the subjects laugh or smile, they are doing it deliberately in accordance with the instructions of the photographer.
Also, in normal photography, the attention is focused on the couple, so they are usually placed in the center for every photo session. Some people may see this style less creative because almost everyone already knows the way it goes.
What is Candid Photography about?
Candid photography is also referred to as photojournalistic photography. It is different from the traditional form of wedding photography in that it involves taking photos of couples in a spontaneous manner.
Most times, the couple is unaware that a photographer is somewhere capturing their priceless moments. Spontaneity is a rule of thumb for most candid photographers. They keep moving from one position to another without the couple seeing them. It is only on rare occasions that the photographers give posing directives to their subjects.
The beautiful thing about candid photography is that even in the unpreparedness of the couple, the photographer still manages to take breathtaking shots. In fact, these unawares photos are usually more captivating than the traditional ones where everyone has to smile, sit, or stand in a particular manner.
In photojournalistic photography, the natural reactions, emotions, and attitudes of everyone present at the wedding are captured. And so, you get to see everyone as they are.
In this form of wedding photography, the photographer does not take pictures in a formal approach, unlike normal photography. The photography gets to be creative and innovative in taking photos. He often positions himself in weird places just to get the best shot. So don’t think a photographer is crazy when you see him lying down or climbing a platform just to take pictures.
In photojournalistic photography, there are no rules to follow. Whatever the photographer deems beautiful is taken. His approach to taking photographs is informal.
Also, candid photographs are usually edited more compared to a traditional work. Some unwanted scenes are cut off or blurred using photographic tools. But because of the organized nature of normal photography, you don’t need to go through the stress of spending more time editing the photos.
Tips to Getting Collections of Contemporary Photographs
To get a collection of contemporary photographs, use the following tips:
i. Buy contemporary photographs
ii. Search the internet
iii. Add only intriguing images
iv. Seek expert opinions
v. Look out for the Edition Numbers of contemporary images
Buy Contemporary Photographs
To begin with, the quickest medium you can use to create a contemporary art collection is by buying the work of an artist. Since most collections are quite expensive, you can still find some that are affordable. Furthermore, art auction houses and exhibitions usually put up tons of beautiful collections that will fit whatever budget you have.
Also, a great thing about fairs and auction houses is that they offer you the opportunity of meeting new talents in the photography industry. Their works may even resonate in the hearts of people more than veterans.
Search the Internet
Most times, we think photography only has to be from the work of a camera. However, that’s not always the way it is. Today, many photographers are discovering new ways to build their image collection. Also, one of such methods is by getting images from the internet, just like what Taryn Simon did.
Today, the world celebrates her for the innovative and mind-blowing art collection she put together using images she got from the internet with the help of Aaron Swartz, a computer programmer.
Add Only Intriguing Images
When building a contemporary art collection, it is essential that you add only captivating photographs. When people see your photograph collection, they should have an irresistible urge to see it again.
Also, you will agree that a great image has a way of revealing a different aspect of itself every time you see it.
Seek Expert Opinions
Even when you have seen a photograph that you will like, it is crucial that you seek advice from experts in the photography industry. They know the industry better than you, and so, they would have one or two pieces of information that will help you build a collection that is worth viewing over and over again.
Look out for the Edition Numbers of Contemporary Images
To begin with, photographers are in the habit of making several editions of a single piece of work. Hence, a vital aspect to consider before adding a photograph to your collection is the edition number of that particular photograph.
The edition number helps to authenticate a photograph. If a seller does not have the edition number for an image you are want, then it means it’s fake.
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Takeaway
In conclusion, contemporary photography, as we have learned, means different things to different people. Nonetheless, a rule of thumb in the photography community is that any image developed from the 1980s to date can pass for contemporary art.
If you want to build a collection as a contemporary photographer, you can buy from auctioneers or search the internet. But do not forget to check the edition number and seek expert advice.
Please, feel free to share your thoughts and comments with us on modern art photography.
What is Contemporary Photography – Related FAQs
What Makes the Artwork Contemporary?
An artwork is said to be contemporary because it depicts modern-day events, places, beliefs, and society. Contemporary art refers to recently or presently-made artwork. Although contemporary art is often used as a replacement for modern art, it is essential to note that while modern art is recently made art, contemporary art is of the present age. The word “contemporary” is used in contrast to traditional artworks and styles of painting.
Before 1945, most artworks were designed with traditional materials. Since they were created traditionally, it was only reasonable to produce each art in conventional landscapes and portraits without a touch of diversity.
What are the Three Elements of Photography?
The three major elements of photography are subject, light and composition. The subject simply refers to the object that is to be captured or the primary focus of a photographer. Simply put, the subject tells the narrative of the photograph.
When it comes to photography, lighting is vital. It gives the objects around the subject, and even the subject itself their latent structure. Quality lighting enhances the narrative of the photograph. Composition refers to how the objects are arranged. It is how the narrative is told.
What is the Difference between Traditional and Contemporary Aboriginal Art?
Contemporary aboriginal art differs from traditional aboriginal art in terms of diversity. The traditional artworks were created with limited materials with virtually little or no added new technique while the contemporary artists use materials ranging from traditional, modern to contemporary.
So, while traditional artists based the importance of materials according to what was available, contemporary artists have a wider range to choose from. Understandably, it will not be wrong to say better materials have been discovered. This may be a reason why contemporary art is much more extensive, given how each art is created and represented.
Why is Contemporary Art so Bad?
Contemporary art is seen by many to be bad because it is quite difficult to understand. Because of this lack of understanding, lots of questions pop up. The debate on the beauty of contemporary art continues. The arguments are based on the fact that traditional art set the pace for contemporary art, but contemporary art seems to have forgotten its root. First, it is important to note the difference between the times. Given how advanced and fast-paced the world is, it is only understandable that anyone would have millions of questions to ask.
What Makes Contemporary Art Unique?
The uniqueness of contemporary art borders on its dynamic blend of materials, concepts, methods and subjects that do not entirely deny the existence of traditional art. Contemporary artworks give voice to the ever-shifting ideologies on culture, values, belief systems and human identities.
Also, contemporary art is influenced by its viewers’ activeness in participation and in the designing process that stirs up conversations between the artist and the audience. Since individuals may likely offer personal reflections, opinions and ask questions, the artist is motivated to create better art pieces.
What does Contemporary Art Look Like?
Contemporary art can be easily recognized by its lack of uniformity, surrealism, realism and abstractness. It brings out a style that stirs up a conversation about individuals’ identities, what they believe in and their hidden emotions. It is concerned with a broader contextual framework of the world’s system, cultural background, family and human heritage.
It includes creativity relating to paintings, photography, sculpture, building and construction, performance and virtual art. The interpretations that come with the art are vast and varied, considering the difference between the views that people hold.